The State Street Mural Project: Calling Artists Everywhere

Aug 19, 2009

Update: here’s the call for entries: statestreetproject

For more than a year, I have been working with local business owner Bob Evans to initiate a community development process via a community arts project at the location of Baxter’s Cafe (approx 16th. S. and State St.) in SLC. The ultimate objective is to strengthen and enhance the local communities all the way down State Street, beginning with the neighborhoods between downtown and South Salt Lake. The aesthetic improvements that public art ultimately brings to urban areas is more of a side-effect, with the process of building community to create the project as the real focus.

The space is unique in its location; directly on State Street with large swaths of grass (owned by SLCC) in either side, offering prime visible space for passerby’s two blocks away. The hulking figure of SLCC stands behind and to the North of it. The State Street Project begins here with the radioactive duck, but by 2011, both sides of the building will be completed. Not only by me, but with the involvement of many local community members.

Hence the call to artists. A dozen local artists will be selected to collaborate with local community groups (primarily local kids) to design and create each section of the approx. 180 linear feet of wall space.  The duck is the first of twelver. The design must be able to stand alone when complete (so the rest of the unfinished wall doesn’t draw vandals).  The designs will be judged primarily on the objective of engaging local children and improve the quality of their lives.

GreatWest is looking for artists interested in participating in this mural project. RFP available- see

Great West Institute to find out more….